Nice HQ2. Be a shame if something happened to it.

It was during a testy hearing in front of the New York City Council when Amazon executive Brian Huseman offered this comment:

"We want to invest and be a part of the growth of a community where our employees and our companies are welcome."

But what many New Yorkers heard in that statement was this message: Nice HQ2. It'd be a shame if something were to happen to it.

On Thursday, New York City Council members had fierce criticism for the e-commerce giant's plans to build a major office project in a Queens neighborhood.

Sticking points for council members included the company’s work with the immigration agency, ICE, and Amazon's position on unions.

Some unions support Amazon, but Amazon executives said on Thursday they would not agree to remain neutral if its employees choose to organize.

Later, on WNYC's Brian Lehrer show, the host asked New York City Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer about Amazon's statement.

“So, it suggests a threat," said Lehrer. He then asked Bramer, "Why shouldn’t Amazon go where they’re wanted?”

“Well, if they want to do so, they should,” said Bramer.

Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Amazon has been trying to charm New Yorkers by mailing out campaign-style flyers.

Polls show New Yorkers support Amazon’s arrival, but residents are almost evenly divided on the deal the city and state made with Amazon.

A leading figure in the anti-Amazon movement, Council Speaker Corey Johnson, has announced he's exploring a 2021 run for mayor of New York.

Amazon is scheduled to attend one more hearing before the New York City Council in February.